The average life anticipation for US citizensis 79 eld , and while that may sound like plenty of living to you NOW , who knows what the future holds ?

But never fear ! There are five stead – calledBlue Zones– where a disproportionately eminent number of house physician be to 100 : Ikaria , Greece ; Loma Linda , California ; Sardinia , Italy ; Okinawa , Japan ; and Nicoya , Costa Rica . If research worker could unlock the characteristics of these seemingly magical areas , the balance of us might be able to reap some life - extending information .

Dan Buettner , aNational GeographicFellow and bestselling source , has spent years studying the habits of people who live in the Blue Zones . " Only about 20 % of our genes determine how long the average someone lives , " says Buettner . " This intend our lifestyle and environment will greatly mold our health and happiness in recent days . "

Castelsardo, Sardinia

Castelsardo, Sardinia|Gabriele Maltinti/Shutterstock

So what secret formula do Blue Zoners follow to live longer and healthier ? The brusque solvent , unfortunately , is that there ’s no wizard pill ( though that has n’t end scientistsfrom endeavor to find one ) . Thereare , however , shared traits of Blue Zone occupier you’re able to test to emulate .

They exercise – without the gym

Americans are kind of utmost . Many mass seat on their butt and look out too much TV , or believe that the only way to fitness is through marathon training and completingobstacle line that cede electrical shocks and assume drowning . But in Blue Zones , physical labor is n’t come near begrudgingly ; it ’s a raw part of everyday living . InOkinawa , that ’s maintaining a garden ; inIkaria , it ’s using walking as your main mode of transportation . Blue Zoners espouse physical activity throughout their spirit .

They have a reason to get out of bed every morning

Not as depressing as it sounds ! While have a meaningful job and secretive class is of import during all stage of life , it ’s especially important as you accomplish retreat . " Knowing your sense of purpose is deserving up to seven old age of surplus life anticipation , " says Buettner . " Our society face at retreat as a time to seat around , slack , and play some golf game . But one of the most dangerous yr of your life is the class you go to sleep , because of a sudden want of purpose . "

People in Blue Zones fight back this by place value in raising their family ’s child , and in participating in their community well into honest-to-goodness age . InNicoya , Costa Rica , for example , this is an denotative part of everyday sprightliness – known as theplan de vida– and helps centenarians asseverate a positive mentality late into life story .

They don’t stuff themselves silly

grant to Buettner , Okinawans say the mantra " hara hachi bu " before each meal , which means " eat until you ’re 80 % full . " Do you really require a double cheeseburger when a single would have done the caper ? Speaking of cheeseburgers …

Many people who endure in Blue Zones follow a vegetarian dieting . Sad , yes , but it ’s tougher and tough to deny thebenefits of a plant - based diet , whether you want to go full - on vegetarian or not . noodle and leafy vegetable are the large winners in all five Blue Zones . InSardinia , meat is usually reserved for Sundays and particular occasions , and Loma Linda , California , is notable because it’sa Seventh - Day Adventist communitythat preach for a vegetarian diet as a religious tenet . Okinawans are also known for theiradherence to a plant - found diet .

They drink!

If there is n’t meat , at least there ’s still booze . In Buettner ’s research inSardinia , for model , moderate drinkers outlive non - drinkers . This might be because a drink can help people First State - stress , and the libations are usually shared among friends – as if you need more reasons to hit up happy hour . Obviously this does n’t stand for you may go out and company hard every night , but uttermost limitations can be just as tough for you .

They have a solid network to take care of and lean on

People who live longer are usually surrounded by family , admirer , and romantic partners , and prioritize them over others . A whole other internet they ’re tapped into is religion . Regardless of their designation , people who attend faith - base serving four meter per month sum up to 14 eld to their life anticipation , state Buettner . And 14 geezerhood is a tenacious clock time !

They live less-stressful lives and know how to deal with stress when it pops up

" Stress head to chronic inflammation , link up with every major eld - relate disease , " aver Buettner . possibly you should not - so - subtlyforward this to your boss ? wipe out unneeded stresses , knowing how to distinguish focus , and positively coping with it are all important skills . If you look at some of the other shared out characteristic , you could see how an total balanced lifestyle can reduce strain ; exercise , mob , and having a few drinks help hoi polloi in Blue Zones appease even - keeled .

They surround themselves with other health-minded people

People who make good choices will advance you to make good choice . you could belike part your social group into two variety of friends : the one whotop off glad hourwith one – or two ! or three ! – cut of pizza , and the unity who prefer bike drive and veg . Whether you ’re witting of it or not , social insistence is actual , and you ’re potential to mirror your friend ' behavior , for better or for bad .

The shared " secrets " of these places are n’t really that secluded , nor are they very complicated . The trick is putting them all together , especially in place that do n’t encourage work - life balance and strong social bonds . A vegetarian diet is n’t going to do you much upright if you do n’t have champion and drink all the time , and a immense friend chemical group and supportive family are n’t sound to outwork a dieting of pizza pie and confect bar .

Maybe it ’s time to take thatcruise to Sardinia ?

food in Okinawa

food in Okinawa|EijiA / Shutterstock.com

Beachgoers in Sardinia

Beachgoers in Sardinia|luis abrantes /Shutterstock